Authentic Falafels
Description
These falafels are made from garbanzo beans soaked overnight for a fresh flavor. They are blended with a variety of Middle Eastern-inspired spices and pan-fried to a perfect golden brown.
Ingredients
•
1 cup dried chickpeas
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1 tablespoon water
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1 1/3 tablespoons sesame seeds
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2 teaspoons ground cumin
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1 teaspoon ground coriander
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1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
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1/2 teaspoon white sugar
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1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
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1 pinch asafoetida powder
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1 quart vegetable oil for frying, or as needed
Directions
1
Place dried chickpeas in a bowl. Fill with water to cover; stir in baking soda. Soak at least 8 hours or overnight in refrigerator. Drain.
2
Place soaked and drained chickpeas in a blender or food processor; blend to a paste.
3
Pour water into chickpea paste and blend until smooth. Scrape down sides of blender with spatula if needed.
4
Place sesame seeds, cumin, salt, baking powder, coriander, black pepper, red chili powder, sugar, turmeric, and asafoetida powder in blender with chickpea paste; blend until well mixed. Transfer chickpea mixture to a bowl.
5
Chill chickpea mixture in refrigerator to allow flavors to blend, at least 1 hour and up to two days.
6
Pour vegetable oil to a depth of 1 inch in a deep skillet over medium heat and heat to 370 degrees F (188 degrees C).
7
Scoop up chickpea mixture by heaping tablespoons and form into balls the size of ping pong balls.
8
Fry balls in hot oil until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes on each side.